Learn how to make a condensed cream soup substitute with a few simple ingredients. This homemade cream soup alternative is perfect for casseroles, pot pies, and more.
Jump to:
Condensed cream soups, such as cream of chicken or cream of mushroom, are typically sold in 10.5oz cans. This recipe is equivalent to about one of those cans and can be easily doubled, or even tripled, if needed.
It is incredibly convenient to grab a couple cans of cream soup at the grocery store, but it's pretty simple to make an even tastier substitute at home.
Condensed soup, like cream of celery soup or cream of broccoli soup, is a pantry staple. These soups make great bases for homemade soups and casserole recipes. However, you can make your own homemade cream of whatever soup that's better than the canned stuff with just a few simple ingredients.
❤️ Why You'll Love This Recipe
- No extra preservatives or weird ingredients.
- Perfect for using in all your favorite recipes that call for a can of soup.
- Made with simple ingredients you already have on hand.
This cream soup substitute is a super easy recipe every home cook should master.
🧂 Ingredients
- butter
- all-purpose flour
- broth or water
- whole milk
- salt and pepper
- optional: onion powder and/or garlic powder
This is meant to be a brief overview of how to make a substitute for condensed cream soup. For step-by-step instructions and a full printable recipe card with ingredients, please scroll down to the teal box below or Jump to Recipe.
🔪 Instructions
Here's how to make this basic white sauce, starting with a roux.
- Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and stir to combine. Cook about 1 minute to get rid of the raw flour taste.
- Add in the stock a little at a time, whisking constantly, until the mixture is smooth.
- Next, slowly pour in the milk while whisking until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
🥄Equipment
The following are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Here is what you will need to make this easy recipe:
- Small sauce pan
- Whisk
- Measuring Spoons
- Liquid Measuring Cup
Be sure to check out my Juggling Act Mama Storefront on Amazon where you'll find all kinds of great products to make your life easier! Thanks so much for being a part of Juggling Act Mama ❤
💭 Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions (and answers!) readers often ask about how to make your own Cream Soup at home.
Our substitute cream soup will last 3-5 days in the refrigerator.
Our cream soup substitute is best when used immediately, but it can be frozen. Be sure to use a freezer-safe container and allow head space for the soup to expand when frozen.
⭐ Tips
✔️ Have all of your ingredients measured and ready to go before starting. This must be whisked constantly once you add the flour so there's no time to stop and measure.
✔️ If you want to add minced garlic, diced onions, or celery, cook it with the butter before adding the other ingredients.
🍲 Storage
To Store: Transfer the cream soup mixture to an airtight container and store for 3-5 days in the refrigerator. (These are my favorite airtight containers.)
To Freeze: Use a freezer safe container and be sure to label. Frozen cream soup will last 2-3 months in the freezer.
To Thaw: Place the cream soup in the refrigerator to thaw overnight.
📖 Variations
This recipe is extremely versatile. Typically, I use chicken stock (or chicken broth), but you can also use vegetable stock.
Add herbs and seasonings to match the flavor profile for the dish you want to serve. Celery salt, tarragon, paprika, or basil are all great additions.
There are so many great ways to customize this cream soup substitute. You can add chopped vegetables like celery, mushrooms, or onions to this soup base to add more flavor.
For an extra creamy soup, add a splash of heavy cream. A tablespoon or two of cream cheese or sour cream will also make the soup creamier.
🍴 Serving Suggestions
While you could just use this basic recipe as a base for a delicious creamy soup with chicken and vegetables, it's perfect for making casseroles, slow cooker meals, and pot pie recipes.
For example, to use it in our Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake, you might add a little bit of broccoli and poultry seasoning to the soup mixture.
To use it in Sausage and Potato Casserole instead of cream of potato soup, add some shredded cheddar and a bit of thyme.
😋 More Recipes You'll Love
Next time, try one of these delicious recipes:
📋 Cream Soup Substitute
Not ready to make your own cream soup yet? Pin it for later! And when you do make it, please come back and comment and leave me a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating below!
How to Make a Cream Soup Substitute
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Equipment
- Small sauce pan
Materials
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- ½ cup stock
- ½ cup milk
- kosher salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and stir to combine. Cook about 1 minute to get rid of the raw flour taste.
- Add in the stock a little at a time, whisking constantly, until the mixture is smooth.
- Next, slowly pour in the milk while whisking until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
Leave a Reply